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How to Apply to the ST program

Welcome to the application process for CSI surgical technology.

To enter the Surgical Technology Program at CSI students are asked to submit an application to the surgical tech program. Applicants may submit that application to the program manager at any time during the year. The application may be found online here or may be picked up at the Health Science Human Service (HSHS) department office in the Aspen building.

In May of each year the students may then submit a portfolio. The "rules" for submission are listed below. Additionally the portfolio process can be found on the web site listed above as well as in the HSHS department.

Notification about the portfolio process will be mailed directly either in the U.S. Mail or by E-mail for students who have already submitted an application to the program.

Admission guidelines:

  1. Each student will make an application to the College of Southern Idaho.
  2. Each student will make an application to the surgical technology program at CSI and will submit the surgical technology program application. The application will be the first step to admission and is NOT part of the portfolio.
    • The portfolio (once submitted) becomes the property of the CSI surgical technology program.
  3. Each applicant will complete a portfolio containing each of the following items:
    • Results of the compass test
    • A cover page with each of the following:
      • Applicant's name
      • Applicant's address
      • Applicant's phone number
      • Applicant's e-mail address
    • Letter of reference from an employer
    • Letter of reference from a professional person
    • High School Transcripts and/or GED records
    • College Transcripts (do not need to be an official transcript)
    • CPR card (if you have one)
    • C.N.A. certificate, EMT certificate, Medical Assistant Certificate if you have one (it is NOT mandatory). Please refer to the point sheet   
  4. Each applicant will write a letter of intent answering the questions listed below.
    The letter will be graded and assigned points to be entered into the point system attached.
    • Why do you want to be a Surgical Technologist?
    • Have you done a job shadow? If so, where and what did you learn? If you have not done a job shadow, what do you know about the job?
    • What does confidentiality means to you?
    • What do you think is the most important aspect of patient care?
    • Describe what being a good steward of the community means to you.
  5. Your portfolio will include a document stating that you will undergo a drug screen and a background test once admitted into the program
  6. ALL portfolios will be handed in BEFORE May 15th each year
  7. Portfolios will be delivered to the HSHS office in Aspen 164.
    • The portfolio must be date stamped and the applicant must sign the stamp to ensure the correct date.
    • The portfolio will be stapled in the top left hand corner (no binders please)
    • Applicants are responsible for all the contents of the portfolio.
    • Once submitted applicants may not add documents to the portfolio.

Grading the portfolio will be on (download grade sheet):

  1. The points rating sheet will be used on each applicant to tally points
  2. Points awarded based only on the entirety of the portfolio
  3. Points will be awarded based on the applicant's ability to follow instructions
  4. Points will be awarded for neatness and professional presentation
  5. The letter of intent will be graded and points awarded accordingly

Applicants must have minimum of 60 points to be considered for admission to the Surgical Technology program. And only the top 20 applicants will be interviewed for the program.

Following the interview the 16 available seats will be offered to applicants who have the highest score. In the event that there are more qualified candidates than seats available, the remaining interviewed applicants will be placed on an alternate list for that year. Applicants must resubmit each year for a position in the program.

If you have any questions please feel free to phone or E-mail the program director.

Janet Milligan RN, CNOR
CSI Surgical Technology Program director
Assistant Professor
Telephone: 208-732-6706
E-mail: jmilligan@csi.edu